Ms. Soccer 2012: Avery Calton helped the Ogden Tigers become a powerhouse

"When we were little, we played in a boys' league and they made us play in a girls' league again because we beat them all," she added with a laugh.

On top of soccer and track events, which have included the two-mile, the one-mile, the 800- and 400-meter individual races as well as the 800-meter leg of the medley relay, Calton also participated in cross country at Ogden High for three years. A stress fracture over the summer forced her to choose one fall sport for her senior season.

She chose soccer because that is the sport she will continue to play beyond her high school career. Last October, Calton committed to play for BYU and says she is looking forward to beginning that next chapter.

"After visiting other colleges around the country, I fell in love with (BYU) and knew that was where I am supposed to be," she said. "I have had no regrets (since committing), and I can't start getting ready soon enough."

Amidst all of her athletic endeavors, Calton is also a good student and has been preparing for the academic rigors of college as well.

"I love learning. I think taking hard classes that challenge you are the best thing," she said. "Going to a hard class is something I look forward to."

Her plan is to earn a degree in French and then pursue medical school. She is following the footprints her father, who graduated with a degree in Spanish prior to taking the MCATs.

Before beginning on that path, however, Calton still has the rest of her senior year ahead of her. And, with a lot of thanks to her experiences on the soccer team, her high school career has been a successful one.

"I love the girls on the Ogden team. They're my sisters; we have so much fun together and we have since we were freshman," she said. "Being able to play high school (soccer) with all of your friends who go to school with you, it takes the team aspect to another level. Playing in front of your city, what an honor that is; and going out and playing against rival schools, I think that's such a fun thing."

Calton is also grateful for the coaching staff, which "created the most intense, educational, team-building environment I have ever had."

Engraved on the side of Calton's soccer championship ring is the number 497. It is the total of all of the jersey numbers from that title team added together, and it is a constant reminder of the team unity the Ogden Tigers embodied the past two seasons.

"I owe so much to the girls and how they contributed to the team chemistry, how much everyone worked so hard and weren't selfish and were genuinely proud of each and every one of the girls," she said. "It was a mutual feeling of pride and love for one another."

"I loved high school soccer," she added, with a huge smile. "It was good to me."

email: sthomas@desnews.com